Learn about the causes of Gastroenteritis (stomach flu) & find a practitioner in Auckland, Hamilton, Bay of Plenty, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin to help you overcome Gastroenteritis (stomach flu) within New Zealand.

Therapies which may benefit Gastroenteritis (stomach flu)

Gastroenteritis (stomach flu) is an inflammation of the stomach and
intestines from infection or irritation. Symptoms of gastroenteritis
include vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach cramps, fever and fatigue.
Gastroenteritis can be caused by virus or bacteria (e.g. food
poisoning) and typically lasts for three to four days. Gastroenteritis
from viral infection is highly contagious.

Causes of gastroenteritis

Gastroenteritis is an infection of the intestines and stomach which
affects the body's ability to absorb water and distribute it. This
leads to the common symptoms of diarrhoea and vomiting which occurs
because of excess fluids in the intestine.

Gastroenteritis is typically caused by either the norovirus, eating
contaminated food or drinking contaminated water or as a side-effect of
taking antibiotics.

Noroviruses, often referred to as 'winter vomiting virus', is the
common cause of viral gastroenteritis and usually affects environments
such as hospitals and schools where the virus can spread easily and
survive for several days.

A norovirus can be passed on either through direct contact with an
infected person, touching a surface or objects which are contaminated
with the virus or by eating contaminated food or drinking contaminated
water.

Food poisoning is the common cause of bacterial gastroenteritis but
can also cause viral gastroenteritis. Food can become contaminated in a
variety of ways such as not cooking meat properly or storing food at
the wrong temperature (especially meat, eggs, milk and butter). Food
that has been washed in dirty water or food that has been handled by
someone with the infection who has failed to wash their hands properly
can also become contaminated.

Any incident of suspected food poisoning from eating at a public
restaurant or food premises should be reported to the local
Environmental Health Office.

Drinking water contaminated with human or animal faeces is a major
cause of gastroenteritis in African and South Asian countries but less
of a risk in the UK.

Taking antibiotics can kill the bacteria in the stomach and
intestine which help to fight infections. Without these 'friendly
bacteria' the body is susceptible to the bacteria that cause
gastroenteritis.

Symptoms of gastroenteritis

The symptoms of gastroenteritis usually appear within 48 hours of
infection and typically last two to three days. In the majority of
cases, symptoms will be mild and include:

Diarrhoea

Vomiting

Stomach cramps

Headaches

Fever

Nausea

Anyone suffering with gastroenteritis is likely to become dehydrated
which is a potentially fatal problem if left untreated. Children and
the elderly are particularly vulnerable to the effects of dehydration
when infected.

Symptoms of dehydration include:

Nausea

Headaches

Sunken eyes

Dry mouth

Lethargy

Light headedness

Dizzy spells

Rapid heartrate

Lack of urination

Diagnosis of gastroenteritis

The majority of cases of gastroenteritis will resolve themselves in
two to three days and the symptoms will be mild therefore a diagnosis
from a GP will not be necessary.

However, if symptoms are severe, or last for more than a few days,
then visit your GP. It may be necessary to take a stool, urine or blood
sample to identify a specific bacteria or rule out other underlying
conditions such as UTIs (urinary tract infections) or pneumonia.

Featured Product(s):

Product Information

Company Information

Purebread
produces a range of over 30 nutritious and great tasting organic and
gluten free foods at its artisan bakery under the brand names Purebread,
4 Ever Free and the Gluten Free Goodies Company.

You can find their products throughout New Zealand in supermarkets
and stores or you can order online and Purebread will deliver to your
door!